Elon Musk's Flamethrowers Are Now Sold Out

This is the "world's safest flamethrower," according to Boring. (Boring Company)

(Newser)
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Elon Musk's 20,000 flamethrowers have sold out in a jiffy, completing the tech billionaire's goal of raising $10 million for his tunnel-digging Boring Company. Musk, who had joked that the flamethrowers were a "super terrible idea," announced the news on Twitter. Among those who really do hate the product is California state Rep. Miguel Santiago, who expressed outrage given the state's wildfires.

As a bonus for buyers who forked over $500, Musk is throwing in "a complimentary Boring fire extinguisher," though a company rep maintains the flamethrowers are "safer than what you can buy right now off-the-shelf on Amazon to destroy weeds," per CNET. The $10 million burning a hole in Musk's pocket comes in addition to $1 million raised selling 50,000 ball caps, reports the Guardian. (Musk has big plans for the company.)

:) I suspect we'll see more wild or accidental fires in the near future with 20,000 of these devices in the hands of consumers.

CaLaLilyRight

Feb 1, 2018 1:51 PM CST

FYI: Gizmodo explains it's not technically a flamethrower—it's more like a "very large torch" that's able to shoot blue flames just a few feet—and the Washington Post says even if it is considered a flamethrower, it's probably legal, as most states allow them if used "properly."

tvsgael2

Feb 1, 2018 12:18 PM CST

Like all other weapons, this will be used in a terrorist fashion by someone. And we will read about it when it's too late.